Meet the artists behind Dirtybird Campout: Justin Jay

The inaugural edition of Dirtybird Campout took place in Silverado, CA during October of last year — and what an inauguration it was. Coonskin caps were donned, water balloons were thrown, and attendees’ unfulfilled childhood dreams came true, all amidst a perpetual stream of delectable beats courtesy of Dirtybird and friends.

Returning to Silverado’s Oak Canyon Park this October 7-9, Dirtybird Campout’s sophomore year promises to be bigger and better than ever. In addition to the label’s own roster of exceedingly talented acts, names such as Tourist, Paranoid London, and Marc Houle have found their place on the lineup, with a few more surprise guests still to come. Ahead of the festival, we’ve teamed up with Dirtybird for an ongoing interview series spotlighting both the imprint’s own stars, as well as the myriad of world-class artists on the bill.

One of the younger member’ of the Dirtybird flock, Justin Jay, is an artist who in the past year has demonstrated his talents through a multitude of avenues. He’s launched a widely successful side project, Justin Jay & Friends, released his debut album split amongst a variety of labels, and most recently, announced the inception of his own label, Fantastic Voyage. Never one to take himself too seriously, Justin Jay’s music mirrors his lighthearted and effervescent nature. At last year’s campout, he performed a selection of unreleased Justin Jay & Friends tracks but this year, his crew will make their official debut on the lineup.

How long have you been DJing for & how did you get your start?

I started DJing when I was 16, playing high school house parties.

What was your first label release? Would you still play it?

My first release came out on Dirtybird in 2011 at the very beginning of my freshmen year of college. It’s a mellow, late night track, but yes.

What has been the biggest breakthrough of your career?

Getting signed to Dirtybird was definitely the most surreal moment of my career. It was the craziest feeling having such an intangible dream come true.

If you could be another artist for a day, who would you pick?

Daft Punk.

What are you looking forward to most about Dirtybird campout?

Dancing, all night dancing…

If you could recommend three artists to catch from the lineup, who would you pick?

Catz ’n Dogz, Reggie Watts, Machinedrum

What are three essential items you wouldn’t go camping without?

Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses. I’m a softee haha.

Do you have a favorite (or funny) camping memory?

When I was a little kid, my dad and I setup a tent in the backyard, trying to have “the camping experience.” The sprinklers went on the middle of the night, so we ended up sleeping in the house hahah.